Jimmy Paredes

As utility players go, Paredes has the necessary versatility to continually be targeted by major league clubs when he becomes available (he was designated for assignment twice in 2014). Between Triple...

Paredes was claimed off waivers by the Marlins in November after spending much of last season playing for Houston's Triple-A affiliate. The switch-hitting outfielder possesses good speed and is versatile on defense, but he has limited exposure to the majors thanks to a paltry .234/.274/.311 slash line. A career .289 hitter in the minors, Paredes could produce solid numbers if given regular playing time, but that has been the challenge thus far in his career. With the Marlins, he has a good opportunity to change that if he's able to break camp with the club out of spring training. Even if he doesn't, he's still likely to spend time in the majors at some point this season while offering a potential cheap source of speed from the Miami bench.

2013

The starting third baseman for the Astros just one year ago, Paredes spent most of 2012 in the minors looking for a new position. He hit for a high average, stole bases and showcased his power on the farm. In the majors, he has still yet to show that gap power you would expect to see from someone his size, and without it he is unlikely to stick in the middle infield let alone a corner-outfield spot. Paredes may not have proven he is ready for prime time, but the potential is there and this may be the season he pulls it all together. Most likely, he will work in something of a utility role if he becomes a steady part of the Astros' plans.

2012

A virtual unknown heading into 2011, Paredes got a callup in August and showed a little bit of everything hitting mainly out of the six-hole. He doesn't have much power and his plate discipline leaves a lot to be desired, but he could hit 10 homers and steal 30 bases if given regular playing time. Paredes is extremely athletic and may even wind up at shortstop when all is said and done. The Astros should give him a chance, as they attempt to sort out what exactly they have in their youth corps.